Eligible voters without ID cards can vote – EC

Eligible voters who turn out to cast their ballots without the voter’s identity (ID) cards would be allowed to exercise their franchise on December 7, the Electoral Commission (EC) has affirmed.

The Commission explained that though the ID cards helps in facilitating the electoral process, the finger prints of an eligible voter could identify his or her biometric features, true identity and other vital information relevant to cast his or her ballot.

Mr Isaac Owusu, Ashanti Regional Deputy Director of the EC appealed to the electorate to exercise maximum restraint on the voting day and abide by good electoral practices.

Addressing a day’s workshop in Kumasi, he said it is the responsibility of all and sundry to refrain from activities that could mar peaceful electoral process.

The programme, organised by the EC, aimed to sensitise the media on their responsibilities in order to give accurate, balanced and fair reportage in the wake of the elections.

Touching on multiple voting, Mr Owusu indicated that those who engage in such malpractices would be exposed, stressing that the verification machines to be provided at the various polling centres have the ability to detect multiple voting.

In addition, the EC has put in place a comprehensive monitoring system to check the activities of its officials and other staff to curb malpractices.

Mr Owusu said it is an offence for a voter to identify him or herself with the candidate he or she is voting for, particularly through photographs and warned that such people would be dealt.

He advised the leadership of the political parties to educate their supporters on how to vote properly to help reduce the high rate of rejected ballots.

The EC, he said, is capable of organising successful polls and called on stakeholders to do the right thing in the interest of the nation and also engender political stability.